The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Sam forecast to become a hurricane by tomorrow and a major hurricane (Category 3 or more) early next week.

The majority of long-range forecast models have the storm turning north or north east of the Caribbean which includes Montserrat, hence residents should continue to watch the storm closely.

At 11 AM, the center of Tropical Storm Sam was located near latitude 10.9 North, longitude 38.1 West. Sam is moving toward the west near 16 mph and this general motion is expected to continue over the next several days, but with a gradual slowdown in forward motion.

Recent sallite wind data indicates maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast over the next several days, and Sam is now forecast to become a hurricane tomorrow and be near major hurricane intensity by the end of the weekend. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb (29.62 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND – None.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA will continue to keep an eye on Tropical Storm Sam, and will provide regular updates as new information is released.